Amina, try some cross over or draped or pleated style tops or dresses that will confuse the eye and have it travel diagonally across or down the body rather than settle in one place.
There are some really nice Khaliah Ali patterns in Plus sizes you could try, particularly I am thinking Simplicity 2635 and 2660 and 1945 (I must get this myself and try it, I love the look of the pleated wrap top, so nice!)
And you might think your tummy sticks out a bit but other people probably haven't noticed it as much as you do!
Nice people look beyond physical features but there's no reason why we can't disguise our figures if it makes us feel more comfortable.

------Quilting up a storm
Bernina Girl, in possession of a small herd...

What kind of features are you looking for and what event/events do you need to cover?

I think this Colette pattern could work for either, depending on fabric.

You might also like this Colette dress
Vogue 2900 might work well. It has vertical line seams on the torso and a dropped waist, which could lengthen the body.
For a looser look, this Simplicity has been very well reviewed here.

Other than that, I tend to stick with empire lines, but have to make sure there's not too much gathering under the bust, otherwise I end up with a maternity look.

I like the look of that Simplicity wrap top above and have that on my list of things to sew.

I did try the Vogue 1250 that everyone is raving about. My advice would be to avoid that one, as it highlights that aspect you are trying to avoid. I like the idea of a cowl neck, though, so am still on the search for a suitable pattern.

I try to aim for things that drape across, or draw attention up towards the face.

A nice plus sized casual dress is Butterick 5347 Pattern I made a sleeveless version and have literally worn it to shreds. Yes, it is kind of sacklike but very comfy for hot weather. The only embellishment is the opportunity to add an interesting button or pin at the front pleat. I also suggest you bind the neck and sleeves instead of those nasty facings.

Okay, for casual, easy dresses, I found a few things that could work.
Butterick 5600
has been well reviewed here. For an apple shape, I'd probably leave off the waist belt and rely on the button placket for vertical lines.

Butterick 5638 has also gotten good reviews.
I'd probably skip the belt and the boob ruffles. But it has nice seam lines.

This HotPatterns Uptown Downtown dress
Has been loved by all who've made. Lots of different body types have praised it, called it flattering, and have made it for all four seasons.

I also like this top as a dress. Extend and adjust the back shirring to give you a waist! Easy toss on style

This Decades of Style '50s Diamond DRess
might work too. The diamonds could bring in the waist, the zipper gives a vertical line, and the V neck is slimming too.

And my Vogue picks... grab some smelling salts, 'cause I found some odd styles for ya!
Possibly not the most flattering, but an easy style and very summer-- loose-- Vogue 1228 adjust the bust and easy breezy summer dress! It has been well received here too, by different body types.

Vogue 1233-- variation on the classic shirtdress

Vogue 8629
I wonder if those pleats, when sewn down, would be slimming and verticalizing? Making new words-- every academics favorite activity!
And 8813
I wonder if the shirring details and pockets would create shape and a different silhouette?

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